Issue 61
July 2026
New Financial Year, New Municipal Boat Licence!
July marks the start of the 2026 / 2027 Municipal Financial Year. Recreational boat licences for the Breede River are available from any of the six outlets as well as online (link below). In accordance with the Municipal Financial Year, all annual licences are valid from the 1st of July 2026 to the 30th of June 2027.
Online Licence Application Process:
- Complete the application form. Make sure to select the correct collection office depending on whether you wish to collect your licence(s) in Witsand or Malgas.
- Allow the LBRCT to process your information and confirm our banking details.
- Pay via EFT or SnapScan, and send the proof of payment to info@breede-river.org
- Collect your licence decal from the chosen collection office.
The Flood That Changed the Breede:
Here's How You Can Make a Difference
At 6am on Wednesday the 13th of May the DWS H7H006 hydrological station (Swellendam) recorded a water level rise of 7.04m and a flow rate of 1990m³/s. The flood peaked later that same day (by some accounts the rise peaked at 11.01m and the flow at over 2500m³/s) and then subsided over the next few days. There is no further data available from H7H006 since the measuring station was washed away! Whatever the final figures, it is clear the 2026 flood is high on the list of the biggest floods ever recorded, and is definitely the biggest flood in over 100 years.
We need your help!
- The LBRCT is in need of yellow marker buoys and 25 litre drums to mark dangerous hazards in the river following the flood in May. Should you be able to assist, kindly contact the LBRCT via WhatsApp on 064 774 3862.
- Please send GPS locations of hazards, especially dangerous tree stumps, via WhatsApp to the number above.
Snake and Animal Rescues since April:
7 Puff Adders
2 Cape Cobras
1 Swift Tern
1 Brown House Snake
Compliance Statistics since April:
244 Fishing Permits Inspected
75 Boats Inspected
1 Fine for no boat licence
1 Fine for excess bait collection
Breede River Locations Map
Click here to view a map of the Breede River Estuary containing the locations of popular spots, attractions, restaurants & pubs, accommodation, boat licence sales outlets, public slipways, and more!
Following Pearl's Journey: The Latest on Our Loggerhead Turtle
Loggerhead turtle "Momma Pearl" is making encouraging progress in her recovery after her rescue in March. She is steadily gaining weight with the help of tube feeding, while also beginning to try opening her mouth on her own. Although it is clearly painful for her, these small but determined efforts are a positive sign of her resilience and determination to heal.
Momma Pearl still has a long journey ahead, but her dedicated care team remains fully focused on giving her the best possible chance at recovery. With her own fighting spirit and the team's unwavering commitment, every small milestone is worth celebrating. She truly is an adorable patient, and everyone is cheering her on every step of the way.
Recent School Talks: Endangered Animals, Healthy Estuaries, Healthy Communities
During April our rangers visited Leeuwenhart Primary School in Heidelberg, where they presented a talk on the Breede Big Five comprising of endangered animals found along the Breede River Estuary. The animals included the Humpback Dolphin, Cape Vulture, Bullshark, Dusky Kabeljou, and the Dickson's Copper Butterfly. To support the learners further, we also donated sports balls and treats to the school.
Early in May another presentation was given to learners from Bishops Preparatory School. The talk was held at a farm along the river where a large group of the boys were camping together with their dads. We all thoroughly enjoyed the short lesson on ecosystem services and why the Breede is one of the most important estuaries in the Cape.
Together, we’re inspiring the next generation to care for our environment and protect our natural heritage. Should you wish to support future school visits, we would be most grateful. The LBRCT is a registered NGO and PBO and can issue tax certificates for donations.
For more information, please contact us:
info@breede-river.org
WhatsApp: 064 774 3862
Buy your Recreational Fishing Permit online:
Recreational Fishing Permits are available online. Please visit https://www.fishing.dffe.gov.za/ to purchase your permit.
Please remember that should you intend on fishing from a vessel, at least one crew member requires the permit condition for an "additional fee per vessel for recreational fishing from such vessel" to be selected.
Legal Size Red Flags for Water Sports
As per the municipal by-law, the operator of a boat towing a skier must display a red flag measuring a minimum of 500mm by 500mm to indicate when:
(a) a skier is down in the water, or preparing to ski;
(b) a tow line extends from the boat;
(c) a ski is in the water in the vicinity of the boat.
To purchase a legal size LBRCT red flag for only R130 please contact info@breede-river.org or WhatsApp 064 774 3862 to place an order.
Buy a Conservancy Cap
Are you a member of the LBRCT?
If you take an active interest in, or use the Breede River Estuary, we encourage you to become a member of the LBRCT and support our worthwhile endeavours on your behalf by way of contributing to these efforts. Memberships are due for renewal from the 1st of July 2026.
If you are interested in receiving news updates and other interesting information join our 'LBRCT Communications' WhatsApp group.
Click here to join the group.
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